Learn about the archaeological sites of Saaremaa
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From this page you can find articles, research and books written about the history of Saaremaa
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FIRST RESULTS: aDNA RESULTS FROM THE 13.-14TH C. SAAREMAA
The first aDNA results of Saaremaa's 13th-14th century burials are here!
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Our
mission

Foundation Osiliana scientifically researches archaeological and historical sites and artefacts of prehistorical and medieval Saaremaa. In addition to Saaremaa, Muhu and other surrounding smaller islands (e.g., Vilsandi, Abruka) are researched.

 

For research, a Database of Artefacts of Saaremaa will be created that will give an overview of the archaeological artefacts, different types of finds, local and imported material culture.

Arm-ring from the cemetery of Karja

Tornimägi was until 19th century known in Estonian as Hill-Fort (“Linnamägi”), because of its peculiar landscape. However,  archaeological excavations have shown that there was a Viking-Age harbor site!

 

Lepna mortuary house was a cult building, which was used for collective sacred rituals for the deceased. Besides its particular function, it also stands out with its rich silver artefacts from the 5th-6th centuries of the Great Migration that is otherwise a rather poor era.

Kaali lake and the surrounding cultural landscape have traces of human activity already from the Bronze Age. There are many mythical stories about the meteor crater, but what do we know by the archaeological excavations?

In the article Political Centres or Nodal Points in Trade Networks? Estonian Hillforts Before and After the Thirteenth-century Conquest, the focus is on the function of Estonian strongholds in the political and trading landscape of the 13th century, before and after the conquest.

Monography At the Crossroads of Space and Time. Graves, Changing Society and Ideology on Saaremaa (Ösel), 9th–13th centuries AD, dives into the centuries of the end of prehistorical and early medieval period of Saaremaa and Muhu. It is mainly based on the burials and the artefacts, which are analyzed in the international context with the rest of the archaeological material and written sources.

Partners

All the local and expatriate people of Saaremaa

&

parties interested in the history of Saaremaa

Our partners

All the archaeological artefacts that are either gained through the operation of SA Osiliana or given to SA Osiliana, will be conservated and organized by the expenditure of SA Osiliana, and artefacts will be transferred to the Saaremaa Museum.

 

Collected information and written reports are also transmitted by SA Osiliana to the National Heritage Board. In addition to the National Heritage Board, the reports will also be transmitted to the archive of Tallinn University’s archaeological research collection and the archive of Saaremaa Museum.

 

The artefacts registered by the SA Osiliana will be transferred to the National Heritage Board for heritage protection.

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